Pakistan, China declare 2011 'Year of Friendship'

Islamabad, Jan 1(ANI): Pakistan and China have declared year 2011 as the 'Year of Friendship' between the two nations.

2011 also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries.

Pakistan and China will celebrate the Friendship Year at the leadership, government, business and people to people level.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry held a meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Task Force, including provincial representatives constituted by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, to chart a befitting programme for celebrating the "Year of Friendship."

The president and prime minister of Pakistan addressed messages to the Chinese leadership and people to mark the commencement of the "Year of Friendship".

"It gives me great pleasure to convey to the Chinese leadership and people warm greetings from the people of Pakistan and on my own behalf on commencement of the 'Year of Friendship' between Pakistan and China," the Daily Times quoted President Asif Ali Zardari, as saying in a message to Chinese President Hu Jintao and the Chinese people.

Gilani said Pakistan and China had created sincere sentiments of everlasting friendship and brotherhood between the people of both nations.

A reception is also being organised jointly by the Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad at the Pakistan-China Friendship Centre on Saturday (today) to launch the commemorations. (ANI)